What Causes Milia?
Milia are small cysts that form when small flakes of skin, specifically the protein keratin, are trapped below the skin’s surface. These pockets of trapped keratin create small pearly white bumps. Milia can occur due to:
- Genetic predisposition
- Blisters (including burns or sunburns)
- Occlusive skincare procedures or products
- Prolonged steroid use
- Damage to the skin
What Types of Milia Are There?
There are five basic types of milia:
- Primary milia, the most common type which can be found on the eyelids, cheeks, forehead, or genitals in patients of any age
- Neonatal milia, which occurs in newborns
- Traumatic milia, which occur after damage to the skin (such as a burn)
- Milia en plaque, a rare type that presents as broad, flat, raised patches
- Multiple eruptive milia, which present in clusters
Who Gets Milia?
Milia is very common among infants but can affect people of any age. You may experience milia after an injury to the skin that damages your natural exfoliation process, such as a burn.
How Can I Prevent Milia?
In order to prevent milia at home, it is important to exfoliate regularly, with either a physical or chemical exfoliant. Regular exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells before they become trapped or built up, causing milia. Your dermatologist can suggest an effective exfoliation method that is suited to your skin type and non-irritating.
In addition, it’s important to protect your skin to avoid damage such as sunburns. It’s best to use SPF daily to avoid sunburn and sun damage to support healthy skin. Remember to reapply sunscreen to your face and body if you’re outdoors for long periods of time.
Why Treat Milia?
Sometimes, milia will resolve on its own without treatment over the course of a few weeks to months. However, you may want to consult a board-certified dermatologist to discuss treatment options on how to eliminate milia sooner or if the condition becomes irritating.
How Can I Treat Milia?
Your dermatologist can remove milia using specialized tools. It’s important to avoid trying to remove milia at home, as this can lead to increased irritation, infection, or even scarring. Instead, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist to have the bumps removed in a safe and comfortable manner.
Schedule an Appointment
If you are dealing with milia, it can be frustrating if the condition does not resolve on its own and you are unsure how to prevent it with your regular skincare routine. An experienced, board-certified dermatologist can help remove milia safely and recommend steps you can take at home to prevent the condition from occurring.
To schedule an appointment at Arlington Dermatology, please call our office or request your appointment online.
